Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim, NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,245,377 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports, when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report, that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints, specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened, feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 73,546 complaints - component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
The Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) failed while I was driving to work. I was on the highway in the middle of a blizzard and the "Check Electric Vehicle Systems" warning popped up on my dash. It then when into a turtle mode and my car would no longer go above 15 - 20 mph. I had to exit the freeway very abruptly because my speed was dropping quickly. It was already extremely dangerous dri... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
Improperly calibrated Stabilitrak ESC system. Accelerator pedal position sensors 1-2 5v reference 3 circuit Heated oxygen 2 sensor Car is losing power and esc light is on along with check engine light
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
The contact owned a 2019 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V494000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), 24V700000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), and 24V071000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH and coming up to an intersection, the vehicle ahead of the contact had stopped in front of the contact due to a crash. The contact attemp... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
When the car gets wet, it sends my dashboard lights flashing, and I’m able to put the car in gear without stepping on the brake, I brought it to numerous of Honda dealerships and other mechanical shops, and they are undetermined to find the cause
Incident date: Mar 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, the temperature gauge warning light illuminated, and the engine started to overheat. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal became inoperable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
Speedometer calibration off by3.5% . This affects, displayed fuel economy. Showed higher than actual. Also affects correct speed control setting. Checked with GPS and traffic control police radar.
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) module on my 2015 Jeep Wrangler failed at approximately 100,000 miles, causing a complete loss of ABS functionality. The component remains installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. This failure significantly impacted my safety and the safety of others, as it compromised braking performance, making the vehicle more difficult to control... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
As I was pulling my car into a parking space with the brake applied lightly, the car suddenly lost braking and lurched forward when the front wheels touched the curb. This caused the front of the car to jump the curb and hit a tree a foot or two away. My foot was on the brake during this and the car did not brake automatically, or engage any other sort of safety measure. This was terrifying and ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
While driving my car a warning flashed stating "check electrical vehicle system." Pulled over, contacted Kia of Abilene and asked if we could drive the car to the dealership. While on the phone another warning flashed ""Stop vehicle and check power supply." Attempted to drive car, "Limp mode or turtle mode" occurred and the max speed for the car was 25mph, sudden loss of acceleration. Made it home... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. The ABS, traction control, and Forward Collision Avoidance warning lights were illuminated. The contact was close by and drove and parked the vehicle at the residence. The following day, the contact started the vehicle and after driving for 4 mil... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2025
Stalling lagging on acceleration. Leaving me stranded in the middle of road or intersection. Honda dealership says they can duplicate the issue, but there is no fix.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
Component/system that failed: The transmission control module in my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has malfunctioned. The vehicle has issues with slipping between gears, rough shifting, and hesitation when accelerating. This component has already been inspected and diagnosed by a certified Chevrolet dealership, and the part is currently on backorder. The vehicle is available for further inspection ... Read more
TOYOTA
GRAND HIGHLANDER
(2024) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Apr 1, 2025
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an intermittent unintended acceleration without the accelerator pedal being depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal, and the vehicle was able to be stopped. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, but no cause for the failure was found. The dealer rep... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
My vehichle will not go in reverse my wheels are locking up and also my car is going over 6000 rpm when going down the highway and not wanting to shift gears where it is a safety concern for myself and my kids well being
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2017) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Apr 1, 2025
Incident date: May 1, 2017
The contact owns a 2022 Ford f-150. The contact stated while his wife was reversing, while the vehicle was still in reverse, the vehicle suddenly lunged forward and accelerated unintendedly. The contact stated that the vehicle crashed into an oversized tree before coming to a complete stop. No warning lights were illuminated. The front bumper and hood on the vehicle were damaged. The contact was c... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
Cold winter day, the car would not accelerate past 30-35 MPH. The engine would rev but would not be able to get past about 35 MPH.
Incident date: Mar 30, 2025
Instrument panel on car will not turn on when car is started. Thus, all advanced cruise control and safety systems do not function. Car has not been to the dealership for repair yet. There were no warnings or any other indication that there was an impending problem.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2023
Powertrain Malfunction/ reduced power Vehicles emission control system The service light has been 3 months after car was purchased in 2023. Dealer claim to fix recall but a week later same light same issues. They fixed car with recalled parts.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
The ABS control module has malfunctioned which lead to the ABS, traction control, and parking brake light coming on while driving. This is a safety concern due to a malfunction with these systems. These systems are meant to help control the vehicle when either sliding or braking quickly. An OBD scan tool was used, which read the code C2200 to confirm the malfunction.
TOYOTA
LAND CRUISER HYBRID
(2025) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 31, 2025
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
Car looses power mid drive since (has happened since Sept 2024.) Powertrain light sensor comes on and car throttles low, cuts completely off sometimes. Numerous Powertrain malfunction/ reduced power notifications on My ford app.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
2011 F-150 super crew Laredo is sifting gears down by its self at high spends causing immediate car speedometer cluster going to zero and not be able to accelerate. There was a customer satisfaction program 19N01 it was 10 yr 150,0000 miles
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
I was driving home and felt steering wheel shake while on curved road, brakes felt like they wanted to lock up, then everything on dash lighted up looked like a shortage. My foot was still on the gas pedal then car just slowed down by itself. I had to steer vehicle to side of road. I did not panic, I was fearful something could’ve happened if I would’ve had other vehicles behind or even oncomi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed on a steep hill, the engine braking system failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the engine braking system failed to activate, and the vehicle independently accelerated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the failure was confirmed. The contact was informed that no repair was available... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
Car stalled while stopped in drive or while in park. Forward collision system error warning. Every yellow warning light illuminated. Car would restart and would shift gears up when accelerating but would not shift back down. Tachometer would not move although engine was revving. Park and turn off car. Open door. close door. restart and all lights off and engine runs fine until it stalls again. Rep... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2015) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 31, 2025
Incident date: Feb 8, 2025
ICCU failed while driving. Causing the car to dangerously decelerate with little to no warning. The car then bricked itself on the side of the road. Diagnoses is a failed ICCU. This failure was insanely dangerous as the car lost all power and would not accelerate.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
On or about November 13, 2024 our Hyundai Sonata 2020 gas tank almost exploded. We drove our vehicle to a dealership so that it could be checked because we kept hearing something that sounded like a loud pop / thumb underneath our vehicle. We had already been receiving notifications of a powertrain issue with the vehicle for years (without the dealership resolving the issue). So we were taking the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2024
High temperatures catalytic converter code went on the car was stalling on the highway as soon as I hit 60 MPH as I was getting on the car will not accelerate like if the engine was going to come out which also caused my car to overheat which was smelling like burnt oil called the dealer regarding this issue and compared to the recalls on the other KIA which is exactly what's happening to my car.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
Recall history for my car says that the recall has been taken care of for the power steering, but the car has power steering issues very badly
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
On kelly blue book, my 2006 pontiac g6 has a recall for power steering which is the number 1 recall for the exact make and model in other people’s cars, but the recall is not showing on the nhtsa. power steering does not work and the steering wheel shakes a lot. i just bought the car in late december
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2013) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 31, 2025
Incident date: Mar 30, 2025
The following pictures will again show the issues that I'm having while driving my 2022 S Class Mercedes, while using the cruise control on the Belt Parkway. It shows me stuck in traffic and, although I can only go 11 miles an hour while I’m stuck in traffic, the cruise control wants to push it to 80 mph, which is indeed VERY VERY DANGEROUS!! as you can well imagine. Also, as you can see in... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2019) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 30, 2025
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
Car would not allow me to accelerate. It seemed to keep me running only on the electric motor vs the gas engine (the vehicle is a hybrid). This has happened multiple times. The fix is to turn the car off and on again.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE L
(2022) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 30, 2025
Incident date: Mar 29, 2025
Vehicle displayed warnings: Service Antilock Brakes Service Electronic Stability Control Service Trailer Brake System The truck has only 4,650 miles on it. When this happens, the above systems do not work along with the 4 wheel drive system. When towing a heavy trailer, the loss of trailer brakes can easily cause an accident due to jackknifing of the trailer and greatly increased stopping dista... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
Instrument cluster above the steering wheel is black and will not work. No way to know speed as well as other important things.
Incident date: May 12, 2023
I am submitting this complaint regarding a catastrophic engine failure in my 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe while driving at 70 mph on the highway. Without any prior warning, the engine suddenly started making a loud knocking noise from under the hood, and shortly after, the car lost power. There were no check engine lights or other indicators signaling an issue before the failure. I was able to safel... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2025
I was driving approximately 30 mph on an exit ramp and as I pressed the gas to accelerate when I got below speed, the drive power completely ceased, started making a noise that I have never heard, almost like a baseball card in a bicycle wheel. The screen flashed a 4WD alert, and then shut off / went completely black. I could not accelerate, I could not turn the wheel at all as it locked up, and o... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
I was driving on the highway and saw that my RPM was fluctuating a lot even though on cruise control, it was losing its power. It started slowing down and even though cruise control was off, I was indeed in drive and not neutral. when I fully pressed the gas it did absolutely nothing. I was close to home 10 minutes so I had to just put emergency lights on and keep going but at the stop signs and l... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2024
After recent software update on 17 March 2025, the vehicle demonstrated unpredictable high acceleration. Vehicle is unsafe in E-shift mode. Vehicle can only be driven safely in automatic mode. Per a Hyundai communication: "there have been complications reported related to the Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) software that may cause momentary continued acceleration during the release of the acceler... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2020) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 28, 2025
Incident date: Mar 21, 2025
When I accelerate, my car jerks or the shifting is not smooth anymore. Others have been quoted over $9k to fix this issue.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
I had the car diagnosed and this is the issue.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
Vehicle downshifts unexpectedly sometimes and it also kicks hard when slowing down or coming to a stop. Brought it to Hempstead Ford and test drove it with Charlie the senior service advisor, he said he understands and feels what I’m explaining, but Ford says its normal.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle at 2 MPH, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward. The vehicle jumped the curb, embankment, bushes, and crashed into the building in front. Parts of the vehicle caught onto the bushes, holding the vehicle while still crashing into the building. The air bags did not deploy. The police were not contacted. No pol... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
While using cruise control (TACC) or FSD, the vehicle inadvertently brakes until vehicle stops, due to detecting light glare or other things as a collision threat. This happened many times. Reported to Tesla service, they said it is a bug and I should file a bug report. I have previously filed many bug reports about this but no software update fixed the problem. Incident happened many times, Tes... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
When traveling at around 70-75 mph the vehicle will downshift to 5th gear and vehicle speed drops as well, without warning. This causes the vehicle to not want to excel until it comes to a complete stop or turns off and then turns back on.
Incident date: Nov 28, 2020
My 2024 Nissan Versa S goes into a "limp mode" almost any time I stall and then turn the engine back on. In this limp mode, acceleration is dangerously slow. Often acceleration is so weak that if I drive up a hill in this limp mode, the car will lose speed even while I'm pressing the gas pedal all the way to the floor. This can easily be reproduced and inspected by purposely stalling the car in a ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2025
Vehicle will downshift from 10th gear to 1st gear at highway speeds. Vehicle lunges forward after stoplight restarts. 3rd to 4th and 9th to 10th gear shifts are extremely delayed and transmission slips during shifts. Transmission makes very loud noises and clunks when driven. Transmission lags and delays when going into reverse.
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
When driving the vehicle shifts very hard and has a loud clanging in second and fifth gear. It skips those gears and will lag in intersections and on roadways because of the skip. Had it diagnosed by a transmission shop and they said it needed cam phasers. Took it to the dealer and the said it needed a new valve body as the issue was repeatable. Had the valve body replaced and it is still doing it... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
On [XXX], about 20 minutes into my 30-minute commute, while driving at highway speed, my trucks transmission suddenly downshifted dramatically, jerking and throwing me forward in my seat and causing the truck to slow down so abruptly that I was almost rear ended, putting drivers around and behind me at risk of high-speed collisions. Less than 5 minutes later it happened a second time. This is the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
I am reporting Ed Morse Cadillac Delray Beach, for improperly handling a manufacturer recall service, which resulted in a new safety issue on my 2013 Cadillac SRX. On February 22nd 2025 I brought my vehicle in for the Cadillac rear tow link separation recall. After the dealership performed the repair, my ABS system malfunctioned—an issue that never existed before. The dealership initially ackno... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2010 Honda Civic. The contact stated that after driving approximately 5 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed to stop and park the vehicle; however, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the unintended acceleration had occurred several times and almost caused a crash. The contact had taken the vehicle to ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2025
This is the third time I’m having to take my SUV to the Kia dealership because my check engine light begins flashing and then my car has a hard time accelerating when it gets to certain speeds. It shakes but will not go over 68 mph although it is covered under a warranty, it is very frustrating. Having to keep take my car to get fixed. There should be a more permanent solution.